Fort Myers Tip‑Off Brings New Rivalries to Charlotte
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s men’s basketball program is set to open its season at the Fort Myers Tip‑Off, a multi‑team showcase held in Florida’s Gulf Coast. The event marks the first time the 49ers will meet Florida Gulf Coast University and Northern Iowa, both of which have recently made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.
Games will be staged at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena on November 23 and 25, with the 49ers meeting Florida Gulf Coast University at 1:30 p.m. ET on the first day and taking on Northern Iowa at 11 a.m. ET two days later. The matchups are part of the Palms Division, which groups six teams into a compact, high‑stakes schedule.
A Six‑Team Palms Division Lineup
The Palms Division features a compact field of six teams — Charlotte, Davidson, Florida Gulf Coast, Georgia State, Northern Iowa and Tulane — each slated to play multiple contests over the two‑day window, creating a compact but intense schedule that promises excitement for fans and players alike.
For fans traveling to the event, the tournament offers all‑inclusive packages that bundle hotel rooms at the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village and the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa, game tickets and VIP parking, turning a simple outing into a weekend getaway.
Head coach Wes Miller said he is eager to see his squad test itself against two programs that have recently made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, noting that the matchups provide a fresh benchmark for the young roster.
Tickets for games that fall outside the packaged experiences will go on sale in late September, giving supporters the chance to secure seats for what promises to be a high‑energy start to the season.